Car NewsAimed at those searching for the latest automotive news delivered in a timely manner, the news category reports about new car releases and brings exclusive stories from the automotive niche. Car news are delivered every day and focused on those in need of the newest from the automotive world.

Car TechTechnology is constantly changing and evolving, from under the hood to inside the cabin. Plus, with our smartphones, there are more car related apps than ever before. Some apps track your performance and fuel economy while others help you find the best deal on a pre-owned car. We highlight these and other trends while uncovering the benefits (and drawbacks) of the latest car technology.

Test DrivesReading our latest Car Reviews will treat you with professionally written and well executed car reviews from our experts. Extensive galleries of the newest cars and interesting reports on vehicles available are complemented with rigorous appraisement expressed in our Pros and Cons section.

Car TalkMany of our strong feelings, thoughts, and passions about automobiles are reflected here in our editorials. These editorials are based on our observations on the industry and are designed to stimulate conversation about cars and the overall car culture.

Future DrivingNew technologies are changing the way we travel. Is it possible robot cars will chauffeur us everywhere before long? Semi-autonomous technologies are already available on some cars today – is full on autonomous driving next? We explore this bold new era, from the proponents who point to increased safety and better use of infrastructure, to the skeptics who feel there is no substitute for human intuition behind the wheel. As this new age approaches, where will you be when the future of transportation arrives? System Safety Las Vegas 2016: The first automotive event to provide a comprehensive look at safety in every component of highly automated systems. Click below to read more about the conference and use the code Automoblog-1-D87ZS2N at checkout to get 10% discount!

Mercedes Launching B-Class-based Hatchback In U.S.?

Mercedes is thinking of bringing their small, B-Class car to the American market? There are many things to be considered with this potential move. In the United States, Mercedes-Benz’s product portfolio starts off with the C-Class sedan, and then goes up from there, topping out with the S-Class.

There have been rumors for quite a while now that one or both of Mercedes smaller offerings, the A-Class and the B-Class might be offered over here eventually. And now those rumors seem to be picking up some steam. With sources indicating that the B-Class will make it over, as well as a small SUV, presumably based on the B-Class platform, Mercedes buyers might soon have more to choose from.

The next version of its B-Class will be launched by Merc in Europe in 2011, and that’s the probable contender for adaptation to be sold here in the States. Not only will the upcoming B-Class have a slew of “normal” engines, but there are also persistent rumors that either an electric version or one powered by a hydrogen fuel cell will be in the offing. No, no word on if those will make it over here.

“The behavior of Americans depends on fuel prices. Nevertheless, we see a trend also toward fuel-efficient cars,” says Joachim Schmidt, sales and marketing chief at MB.

OK, so there’s that. But here are the questions that I see Mercedes facing with bringing this thing over here.

First: Will a small Mercedes play well with American’s market perceptions? Mercedes is a luxury brand, or at least that’s the way we think about them over here. Will bringing over a small car like the B-Class work? And just what kind of rid IS that anyway? Looks like a mini minivan. That could confuse things even more.

Second: Is this a CAFE standards dodge? Mercs have never been fuel efficient, and with CAFE standards going up, getting a B-Class over here is a way around that.

Third: Electric? Could they also be looking at this as a potential hybrid and/or EV platform? It would make sense.

Fourth: Back to question one again. In America, Mercedes = luxury. In Europe, sure, they have that, but Mercedes is also like GM, if GM was run by engineer rather than bean counters. MB makes everything from delivery trucks to SLS AMGs. So in the home market, something like the B-Class is no surprise and they can sell them.